World champions Spain thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their European Women’s Championship Group B opener in Bern, where there was a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off in memory of Diogo Jota following his death in a car crash.

Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to Liverpool forward Jota, who died in the accident in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva.

Spain made a fast start, scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes.

Esther Gonzalez caught the Portugal defence playing a high line as she latched onto a long ball over the top from Olga Carmona and slotted past Ines Pereira with barely 90 seconds on the clock.

Before Portugal could regroup, they fell further behind when 18-year-old Vicky Lopez converted a low ball across the six-yard box from the right by Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey.

Spain – who beat European champions England in the 2023 World Cup final – looked to extend their lead as Barcelona winger Lopez twice fired wide from the edge of the Portugal box.

In the 20th minute, Portugal fans stood to sing Jota’s name in recognition of the Liverpool forward’s shirt number.

Spain scored another couple of quickfire goals in the space of two minutes just before half-time.

Alexia Putellas cut inside to fire home a third in the 41st minute before Claudia Pina’s cross from the left dropped onto the far post and back to Gonzalez, who tapped in her second of the night.

With the damage already done, Portugal looked much more solid in the second half, restricting Spain to few chances around the penalty area.

Portugal then also finally offered some threat themselves with 15 minutes left when Ana Capeta sent a rising effort over following a lofted ball into the Spanish box.

Spain’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati – who was discharged from hospital on Sunday after being treated for viral meningitis – came on for the last nine minutes.

Montse Tome’s side closed out an impressive performance when substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto headed home at the far post following a sweeping cross by Salma Paralluelo.